Abstract: The present invention is directed to an end cap apparatus. In one embodiment, the elongate base member has a support member, and at least one bracket attached to the support member to allow the elongate base member to be attached to a structure. The end cap apparatus also has a price label containment member secured to the support member of the elongate base member for displaying a price label.

Abstract: A shotgun has two or more firing chambers, each chamber having an exit opening, and a single barrel. A transition connects the exit openings of the firing chambers to the barrel. A movable cover is positioned over or adjacent to the exit opening of at least one of the plurality of firing chambers and can be moved to be positioned over the exit opening of another of the firing chambers.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder adapted to provide both audible and visual indication of a strike by a fish. The fishing pole holder can be adapted to accommodate a plurality of fishing poles.

Abstract: The invention provides a fishing pole mounting structure that can secure properly firm mounting of a fishing reel. A movable hood part is structured by gradually expanding a predetermined location, in a circumferential direction of a cylindrical body outwardly towards one end in the longitudinal direction from the other end in the longitudinal direction to form a cover hood. The inner surface of the cover hood is formed in a shape corresponding to the end surface, the top surface and side surfaces on the outer end of a reel leg part of a fishing reel, and seats that support the reel leg part of the fishing reel are formed at both sides in the width direction of this inner surface, respectively.

Abstract: The instant invention is a fishing rig storage device that maintains multiple hooks in a secure storage position until use. The storage device consists of a containment vessel that houses six individual storage boxes during shipping. Each storage box has a cavity housing a foam insert and a hinged top allowing individual sealing of the six boxes. The individual storage boxes are used to store the unused hook. In an alternative embodiment the containment vessel can also be used to hold the storage box and hook in instances of high rod movements. The containment vessel includes aperture that allows the containment vessel and storage housings to remove any pressure from the fishing line during storage.

Abstract: A fish hook formed of plastic having metal or other material embedded into, or applied to, or formed on the point thereof to increase the ability of the hook to penetrate the mouth of a fish. The metal or other material either forms the point of the hook or is a friction-modifying agent which decreases the resistance to penetration of the hook.

Abstract: A mobile, indoor, sit-and-plant gardening station that provides individuals with the year round opportunity to enjoy their love of plants and gardening well into their later years in life and enables them to garden sitting down.

Abstract: A plant packaging and covering system including a flexible floral sleeve having a base portion and a skirt portion, and optionally an upper detachable portion which may be sized to surround a plant disposed in a flower pot. The base portion is generally made from two flat panels substantially free of overlapping portions and the skirt portion has a plurality of overlapping portions which allow the skirt portion to expand outwardly from the upper end of the base portion.

Abstract: A pet ventilation panel for a vehicle window opening is disclosed. The vehicle window opening is typically defined by a retractable windowpane movable within a window frame having upper, lower and opposed side frame members. The ventilation panel includes a selectively removable window insert formed from a single sheet of material. The insert has an upper edge adapted for engagement with an upper frame member of a vehicle window frame, and side edges adapted for engagement with side frame members of the vehicle window frame to cover at least a portion of the vehicle window opening. A central opening is defined by a continuous edge in the insert. The opening is sized and shaped to permit penetration thereof by the head of an animal disposed within the vehicle without permitting passage of the animal's body therethrough to prevent inadvertent escape from the vehicle by the animal. A mechanism is provided for maintaining the insert in position within the vehicle window opening.

Abstract: A pet door panel insert which has a vertically expandable panel assembly in the upper region thereof installs in a sliding glass patio door or other entity arrangement simply without complicated tools. A positionable structure in the expandable panel assembly is controllingly spaced from a stationary structure of the expandable panel assembly and is actuated upwardly to engage the upper structure of a door frame to sturdily affix the pet door panel insert within the door frame. Opposed vertically adjustable front and rear cover slide plates are frictionally engaged by the upper region of a framework to seal the expandable panel assembly against the outside environment.

Abstract: A shutter mounting adjuster provided between a non-vertical peripheral wall of a shutter opening and a hanging strip hinged to a shutter to support the shutter in the shutter opening. A slider movably mounted in a longitudinal groove of the hanging strip of the shutter, and an arched spring strip fixed on the slider for movement with the slider along the longitudinal groove for enaging the non-vertical peripheral wall to postion the hanging strip vertically in the shutter opening.

Abstract: A stairway and rail system. The stairway system includes a plurality of spaced apart treads; at least one baluster per tread; a two-piece handrail assembly; and a lateral support for supporting the handrail. In the preferred embodiment, the handrail assembly includes: a top segment; a bottom segment; a mating surface on one of the top segment and the bottom segment for aligning the top segment with the bottom segment; and a fastener groove between the top segment and the bottom segment for permitting the accommodation of fasteners used to attach the handrail to each baluster.

Abstract: A seamless skylight flashing has a frusto-conical curb defining an open top that can be covered by a skylight dome and an open bottom. A flat skirt extends radially away from the open bottom. Plural strengthening ribs are oriented radially on the skirt, and a peripheral rib is formed on the outer edge of the skirt. The skirt is preferably formed by die presses.

Abstract: In a system for making walls, at least two pairs of connector plates are provided, each including receptacle for receiving an end of a structural member. At least one spacer plate is located between and rotatably coupled to successively positioned connector plates. To form a wall, a pair of connector plates is coupled via the retaining means, one to each of a pair of generally opposing ends defined by structural members. The connector plates are rotatably movable relative to the spacer plates thereby allowing the structural members to be oriented relative to one another so as to form a surface having desired contours.

Abstract: A fastener assembly 10, in respect to forces which are subsequently applied, after the installation thereof, when forces is applied in one direction, this fastener assembly 10 is self adjusting incrementally, as needed in travel or actuation; yet when a force is applied in the opposite direction, this fastener assembly 10 is not self adjusting and there is no travel or actuation.

Abstract: A simulated masonry module, made of blow molded plastic, has a hollow box-like body with a heavily textured front and top. Modules are pin-connected to each other at interleaving ends, which preferably comprise a slot mortise and tenon which fit closely, so that rotation about the pin is prevented. Modules may be stacked, to form assemblies simulating a masonry wall, and to form an enclosure suited to contain soil or water in a tub-like liner. Sand or other material may be put inside the modules through a rear access port, to add mass and stability. The bottom of a module has sculpting, to loosely fit and interlock with the contour of the top of a like-module, when modules are stacked, so the horizontal joint is unobtrusive. A spike, used for connecting module ends, is retained in a shaped groove on the rear of the module, to enable convenient shipment of a module and spike combination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are panelized wall systems and methods for their construction, wherein the wall systems have elastomeric joints that are resistant to cracking. The walls are constructed with an elastomeric joint tape. The joint tape is made from an elastomeric backing material with an adhesive applied to a face, and optionally, a release liner laminated to the adhesive. In use, building panels are fastened to a frame with the edges adjacent to each other. The joint tape is applied to the seam between the panels and the wall is then finished with an elastomeric finish.

Abstract: A stud bridging/spacing member generally having at least three longitudinally spaced apart notches for receiving and engaging therein a web of a metal stud. At least one of the notches has opposing notch sides which are oriented such that when a portion of a web is received therein, one of the notch sides contacts the web at a first portion of the web and the other notch side contacts the web at a second portion of the web such that the first portion of the web and the second portion of the web are not located on a common longitudinal axis.

Abstract: This invention is a modular pole assembly comprised of corner pieces and panel members. Panel members are slidably engaged to the corner pieces and are retained in a direction normal to the engagement direction by a track in each slot that nests within a groove in each panel member. Comer pieces may include multiple slots along each side, allowing for multiple layers of panel members along each side, thereby increasing strength and allowing an insulative and structural fill material to be added between panel member layers. The height of the modular pole may be increased by inserting splicing posts between consecutive, adjacent corner members and inserting splicing pieces between co-planar adjacent panel members. The modular nature of the pole assembly provides for simple packaging and shipment of the various components and easy assembly at or near the installation location.

Abstract: A kit includes a series of components, capable of being flat packed, that can be assembled to form an arch or a section of an arch for use in a building such as a residential structure. The kit includes a pair of curved sides with each curved side including an inner face, an outer face, an upper edge and a lower edge. Formed along the inner face of each side is a curved groove. A flexible or pliable jamb is provided in the kit. Secured in spaced apart relationship along one side of the jamb is a series of clips. When assembled, the arch or arch section includes the clips extending between these sides and including portions that project into the curved grooves. The clips effectively secures the jamb to the sides.

Abstract: A sheet interleave system for a reciprocating mold plate patty-forming apparatus includes a hopper for holding sheets, a shuttle, a sheet transfer device, at least one precise position controlled motor, and a drive train. The shuttle has a sheet-holding frame that is slidable between a sheet receiving position and a sheet dispensing position beneath knockout cups of the patty-forming apparatus. The sheet transfer device has a suction device for gripping a sheet from the hopper. The suction device is moveable from a position to grip a sheet from the hopper to a position to place the sheet on the sheet holding frame. The drive train is driven by one or two precise position controlled motor. The drive train is mechanically connected to the carriage and to the sheet transfer device to impart controlled motion thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for hydraulically filling crates (1) with floating objects such as fruits, comprising a tank (2) for receiving at least one crate (1), a device (3) for loading/unloading a crate/crates into/from the tank (2) and at least one supply channel (13) of a hydraulic flow transporting the floating objects. At least one bypass branch from at least one supply channel (13) is provided at the entrance and in the upper portion of the tank (2), so as to divide the supply delivery to form the filling delivery and a bypass delivery, these two deliveries being supplied to the intake of a double-acting pump (26) serving as a filling pump and a supply pump.

Abstract: Devices and a method for releasing gas in a container after closing and sealing to pressurize and/or prevent or counteract buckling thereof, and or provide structural rigidity and strength thereto and or release components. The method introduces a reactive agent into the container after filling and before sealing. The reactive agent is controlled to react to provide a gas and optionally components, which a) provides a positive pressure to prevent or counteract buckling and provide structural rigidity to the container and b) and or changes the state or characteristics of the headspace and or contents of the closed container. The devices include a closure, a cap and a container. The reactive agent is brought to chemical reaction by moistening, heating, catalyst and the like. The closure includes the reactive agent and is disposed in the container. The external trigger is a device that emits energy that provides heat to the reactive agent to stimulate the chemical reaction.

Abstract: A distinctive method and apparatus (20) for accumulating different types of individual articles (28) can include a delivery device (132) which provides an initial-plurality (134) of an initial-type of individual articles. At least a first-accumulator mechanism (142) can be automated to provide a first-plurality (144) of a first-type of individual articles. The first-type of articles differ from the initial-type of articles, and at least a first-transport device (146) can move the first-plurality of articles to a first-packing location. Additionally, an automated assembly mechanism (136) can be configured to operatively combine the first-plurality (144) of articles with the initial-plurality (134) of articles.

Abstract: A rotary packaging machine 10 having rotatably driven stripper bars 17 and 18 that strip tubular bag material 36 prior to sealing of the bags being formed. To further inhibit material being located between the sealing jaws there is provided tube closer bars 28 and 29. The bar 28 has a longitudinally extending projection 34 that is received within a longitudinally extending recess 35 of the bar 29. The tubular bag material 36 by engagement within the recess 35 by the projection 34 laterally projects the bag material 36 and three longitudinally spaced locations 54.

Abstract: A powered appliance includes a working member, a handle operably coupled to the working member and a control movable between a first position proximate the handle in which movement of the working member is permitted and a second position distant the handle in which movement of the working member is at least reduced. One of the handle and the control is configured to at least partially receive the other of the handle and the control when in the first position. At least one of the handle and the control includes a flexible member adjacent the other of the handle and the control.

Abstract: A drive train for a header of a harvesting machine comprising a variable length drive shaft. The variable length drive shaft has a first end having a first hinged connection which is connected via a drive element with a first shaft. The variable length drive shaft has a second end having a second hinged connection that is operatively coupled to a driven element in driving connection with a drive shaft of the header. The drive shaft drives harvesting elements of the header. A connection element is arranged to align the drive element and the driven element at least approximately parallel to each other.

Abstract: A sewing thread made of synthetic fibers having an elongation at a break between 25% and 85% and an elastic tensile elongation of between 30% and 95% of the elongation, determined by a measuring strength, corresponding to 70% of the absolute strength of the respective sewing thread.

Abstract: The invention relates to an asbestos-free binding yarn for fastening incandescent bodies to burners of incandescent lamps whose incandescent bodies after the fastening are exposed to a flame, wherein the binding yarn consists of a fireproof material, preferably silica yarn. For improving the knotting ability of the yarn it is envisaged that the binding yarn after exposure in the flame has a diameter changed of less that 50% of its original diameter. The subject-matter of the invention is also the use of the binding yarn on an incandescent body for increasing its retention and durability.

Abstract: A method and system of manufacturing reinforcement materials for rubber products, particularly tires. The method comprises the steps of twisting two or more yarns together to form a cable, and directly after twisting, applying and cuing an adhering agent to the cable to form a treated cord. The steps of twisting the yams and applying and cuing the adhering agent are performed on one machine without intermediate take-up. The invention is also directed to a system for producing treated cord, the system comprising a one-machine twist and treat unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an open-end spinning machine with a plurality of spinnboxes and rotors (2) arranged in them, in which each spinnbox comprises, among other things, a cover (1) arranged on a front side of the particular associated rotor (2). At least one limitation device (7) for limiting the rotor movement in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rotor onto the cover (1) is provided, which limitation device (7) covers a circular segment of a possible circular contact area between rotor (2) and cover (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing gas turbine engine noise, such as noise generated by an aircraft gas turbine engine, comprises at least one and preferably a plurality of gas injectors for injecting gas such as high pressure engine bleed air, diverted core air, air obtained from a pressurized storage container or air obtained from a synthetic jet actuator into the area proximate to one or more engine nozzle portions, thereby disrupting the noise-generating gas streams generated by the engine exhaust and the travel of the airplane through the air. The apparatus is particularly useful for reducing engine noise during the takeoff period of aircraft flight.

Abstract: A diesel particulate filter (41) which traps particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas of a diesel engine (1) comprises an oxidation catalyst (41A) which exhibits a temperature-raising effect during regeneration of the filter (41). A controller (31) calculates the amount of particulate matter trapped in the filter (41) at the start of regeneration as a first amount, and calculates the amount of particulate matter burned during regeneration of the filter (41) as a second amount (S3, S10, S18). A deterioration factor d of the oxidation catalyst is calculated from the ratio of the second amount and first amount, and a target temperature for the next regeneration of the filter is determined on the basis of this deterioration factor d. Thus deterioration of the oxidation catalyst (41A) is compensated for, and an optimum temperature environment for regenerating the filter (41) is realized.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting deterioration of a catalyst in an internal combustion engine initially biases an air/fuel ratio of an air-fuel mixture supplied to the internal combustion engine to a rich amount so that an amount of oxygen stored in the catalyst is substantially zero. Then, the apparatus detects deterioration of the catalyst by alternating the air/fuel ratio lean or rich based on an amount of oxygen given to the catalyst. If the catalyst has deteriorated, a bias amount of the air/fuel ratio is set so that the amount of oxygen stored in the catalyst is substantially saturated. If the catalyst is normal, a bias amount of the air/fuel ratio is set so that the amount of oxygen stored in the catalyst is not saturated.

Abstract: A crankcase ventilation system may include a first exhaust flow path configured to permit flow of main exhaust gases from a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine and a particulate trap disposed in the first exhaust flow path. The system may also include a second exhaust flow path configured to enable flow of crankcase gases from a crankcase of the internal combustion engine and to merge the crankcase gases with the main exhaust gases at a point in the first exhaust flow path located downstream of the particulate trap.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are disclosed for carrying out combustion in a fuel-cut operation in some or all of the engine cylinders of a vehicle. Further, various subsystems are considered, such as fuel vapor purging, air-fuel ratio control, engine torque control, catalyst design, and exhaust system design.

Abstract: A catalyst is positioned in an exhaust path of an internal-combustion engine. A main air-fuel ratio sensor and sub-oxygen sensor are respectively positioned upstream and downstream of the catalyst. A main feedback operation is performed so that the output of the main air-fuel ratio sensor is fed back and reflected in the fuel injection quantity until the control A/F prevailing upstream of the catalyst coincides with the target A/F. A sub-feedback operation is performed so that the output of the sub-oxygen sensor is fed back and reflected in the fuel injection quantity until the air-fuel ratio of an exhaust gas flowing out of the catalyst agrees with a theoretical air-fuel ratio. Since a catalyst window varies in accordance with the intake air quantity, the fuel injection quantity is corrected so that the larger the intake air quantity becomes, the richer the control A/F is.

Abstract: An engine fuel injection control apparatus is configured to alleviate the torque fluctuation that occurs due to deviation of the fuel injection timing from the optimum value when the excess air ratio is changed suddenly from lean to rich, such as when a NOx trapping catalytic converter is subjected to desorption and deoxidation treatment. When the excess air ratio changes by a large amount, the fuel injection timing is adjusted so as to change in accordance with the actual excess air ratio by executing an interpolation calculation based on the target excess air ratio and the actual excess air ratio. During the transient period when the actual excess air ratio is converging toward the target excess air ratio, the fuel injection timing is changed in accordance with the change in the actual excess air ratio and can therefore be set appropriately in relation to the actual excess air ratio.

Abstract: To prevent the deterioration of catalyst or the damage of a particulate filter caused by the rapid temperature rise of the particulate filter when the abrupt deceleration of an engine occurs, and avoid the deterioration of fuel consumption by depositing a large PM in the particulate filter and regenerating the same at once. A heat-absorbing area 4 is provided by forming a deeply clogged structure at the exhaust gas flowing-out side end of the particular filter 1 disposed in an exhaust pipe 2 of an internal combustion engine E. As the heat-absorbing area has a heat capacity larger than that in the other portions, the combustion heat is absorbed and dispersed even if the rapid chain reaction of PM combustion occurs, whereby it is possible to suppress the temperature rise of the downstream portion of the particulate filter liable to be high in temperature.

Abstract: A method for restricting an excessive temperature rise in an internal combustion engine according to the present invention can provide a technology that enable to restrict an excessive temperature rise of a filter more reliably in an internal combustion engine having the filter provided in the exhaust passage for collecting particulate matter in the exhaust gas. In that method, when the running state of the internal combustion engine becomes idle running during the filter regeneration process, the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas flowing into the filter is reduced. After that, when the running state of the internal combustion engine shifts from the idle running to a running state with an engine load higher than in the idle running, the oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas flowing into the filter is gradually increased.

Abstract: This invention relates to estimation of a particulate matter deposit amount in a diesel particulate filter (1) provided in an exhaust passage (7) of a vehicle diesel engine (10). When the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined vehicle speed, a differential pressure method, in which the particulate matter deposit amount is estimated based on the differential pressure upstream and downstream of the filter (1), is applied, and when the vehicle speed does not exceed the predetermined vehicle speed, an accumulation method, in which the particulate matter deposit amount is estimated by accumulating an increment determined from the load and rotation speed of the diesel engine (10), is applied. When switching from the differential pressure method to the accumulation method, the particulate matter deposit amount determined in the differential pressure method is used as an initial value of the accumulation, and thus the particulate matter deposit amount can be determined accurately.

Abstract: A device for purifying exhaust gases from a combustion engine (1) is provided with a first filter (10) arranged in an exhaust conduit (7) between the engine (1) and an exhaust outlet (8) for removing particular constituents from the exhaust gases, and a recirculation conduit (11) for diverting a part of the exhaust gases passing through the first filter (10) recirculating this part of the exhaust gases to the air intake (2) of the engine. A second filter (30) is arranged between the inlet end (20) of the recirculation conduit and the air intake (2) of the engine. A method for purifying exhaust gases from the combustion engine (1) and using this device to purify exhaust gas, in particular, from a diesel engine, are also provided.

Abstract: A steering speed-computing section (81) to differentiate a steering angle of a steering wheel from a steering angle sensor (18) to compute the steering speed signal, a low-pass filter (82) to cut high frequency components in the steering speed signal to output a correction steering speed signal, a switching section (87) to switch the cut-off frequency in the low-pass filter to be higher at the time of determining a high-speed steering condition, and a flow quantity-computing section (85) to compute a target flow quantity supplied to a power steering output section (8) based on the steering angle signal and the correction steering speed signal are provided to control a flow quantity of an operating oil supplied to the power steering output section (8) for the target flow quantity.

Abstract: A hydrostatic module is disclosed, including a pair of shafts rotatably supported by a frame. Two yokes are pivotally mounted on the frame, each having complimentary surfaces to the other yoke and to the frame, minimizing the space occupied by the yokes. Stop means are provided on the yokes and on the frame to limit the pivotal movement of the yokes. A hydrostatic power unit is carried by each yoke, each connected to one of the shafts. A control system, having a single piece control housing containing servo pistons, pivots the yokes. The servo pistons independently determine the orientation of the yokes. A single piece fluid control porting plate is secured to the control housing to route hydraulic fluid to multiple locations within the control housing. A fluid manifold serves as a main structural element, with intimate proximity between the manifold and the control housing allowing simplified fluid exchange therebetween.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a load by means of the conversion of hydraulic energy to reciprocating movement of a piston assembly within a chamber. The piston assembly includes a float, and the fluid within the chamber is alternately withdrawn into fluid conveying pipes or channels and returned to the chamber under the influence of gravity.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEM) apparatus is disclosed which includes a pair of tensile-stressed actuators suspending a platform above a substrate to tilt the platform relative to the substrate. A tensile stress built into the actuators initially tilts the platform when a sacrificial material used in fabrication of the MEM apparatus is removed. Further tilting of the platform can occur with a change in the ambient temperature about the MEM apparatus, or by applying a voltage to one or both of the tensile-stressed actuators. The MEM apparatus can be used to form a tiltable micromirror or an array of such devices, and also has applications for thermal management within satellites.

Abstract: A rotary SMA actuator includes an SMA assembly having a plurality of grooves formed therein to form a plurality of concentrically arranged SMA tubes. A heater element is disposed against an input end of the SMA tubes and generates heat when electrical current is applied thereto. The heat is used to heat the SMA tubes, which causes an angular deflection of each of the tubes at an output end thereof. An innermost one of the SMA tubes is used as an output member and its angular deflection is the sum of the angular deflections of all of the SMA tubes. The actuator is of a smaller size and lighter weight than electrical, mechanical, hydraulic or pneumatic actuators of comparable torque output. The actuator also provides greater deflection capability than similarly sized SMA type actuators that do not employ concentric tubes.

Abstract: A device for rendering a hydraulic actuating device operational. A motor vehicle clutch with an emitter-receiver system located in the transmission path of the actuating device comprising two pistons whose positions, relative to one another, can vary as a function of the desired operating behavior of the actuating device and is developed further such that in relation to the emitter-receiver system that is to be filled with fluid, operationality can be established comparatively quickly and by simple way. A fluid supply unit (24) comprises one impulse valve (25) that serves to release an essentially constant volume flow, acted upon by an impulse valve control device (26) which is constructed such that the fluid volume flow released by the fluid supply unit (24) and flowing into the emitter-receiver system (5) does not exceed a limiting volume flow QK.

Abstract: When a flow of a working medium stagnates in an expander or evaporator of a Rankine cycle apparatus including a closed working medium circulation circuit, a high pressure exceeding an allowable maximum pressure level of the expander or evaporator is produced within the closed working medium circulation circuit. In such a case, the water-phase working medium is first discharged via relief valves out of the circulation circuit, so that the pressure within the circulation circuit can be lowered. Then, once vapor within the evaporator, having been lowered in temperature and pressure, flows backward within the closed working medium circulation circuit, the vapor is also discharged via the relief valves out of the circulation circuit. In this way, the pressure within the expander or evaporator can be reliably prevented from exceeding the allowable maximum pressure level.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detecting aerodynamic instabilities in a jet turbine engine having a pressure transducer mounted in the engine. The pressure transducer, welded to a circuit in signal communication with a controller, is adapted to send measured pressure readings from air in a combustion chamber to the controller. The controller, located in spaced apart relation from the engine, is adapted by software to detect pressure patterns from the pressure signals generated by the transducer that are indicative of a stall or surge. A series of fuel and air valves located with compression and combustion chambers of the engine are in signal communication with the controller. The controller in response to detecting pressure signals indicating a stall or surge is operative to signals in the valves to change the air flow, air angle, fuel flow or speed to reduce the possibility of a stall or surge.